THE Home Office is investigating a website that publishes the home addresses and telephone numbers of anti- racism campaigners, politicians and journalists.

Redwatch, which has a section of its website dedicated to Wales, publishes photographs and contact details of individuals under the slogan, "Remember places, traitors' faces, they all pay for their crimes."

Yesterday a Home Office spokesperson said, "We are aware of the anxiety caused by the presence of such material on the internet. We have had representations from many MPs about this matter and will be responding to their concerns very soon."

The anti-fascist magazine Searchlight believes those responsible for Redwatch could be prosecuted under legislation covering incitement to racial hatred.

The Home Office has argued that as the material is hosted by computers outside the UK, where British police and courts have no jurisdiction, there is nothing that can be done under current legislation.

Liberal Democrat peer Lord Greaves, who appears on the website himself, said there was a need for legal action.

"We need to test existing legislation to prosecute these people and if it's not strong enough we need new legislation. There's a great reluctance by the police to prosecute anyone under incitement to racial hatred legislation as some tabloid papers might fall foul of it. I think that politicians and the police need to stand up to these people."